Collapsible holiday decoration with internal storage

ABSTRACT

A decorative assembly suggestive of a holiday tree includes a hollow base, a collapsible pole extending upwards from the base and attached thereto via a mounting post, and a collapsible decorative body is connected to and surrounding the pole. The pole and decorative body can be collapsed and stored within or on top of the base. The interior of the base can also be used to store decoration, e.g., in drawers formed in the base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/656,655 filed on Apr. 12, 2018, the entire contents of which isexpressly incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a collapsible holiday decoration, suchas one suggestive of a Christmas tree, and which is combined with a basehaving internal storage.

BACKGROUND

Artificial trees are often used for decorations. One popular use is forholiday decorations, such as in the form of an artificial Christmastree. Trees of this type are typically conical in shape. Other ‘trees’are more stylized and have branch-like or spiral forms that aresuggestive of a conical holiday tree. The tree is formed around acentral post that fits into a stand, such as one having three or fourlegs. These stands are not attractive and a tree skirt is typically usedto hide them from view.

It is common to decorate artificial trees with lights, ornaments, andother elements. Even if the artificial trees comes with strand lightsprewrapped around the branches, additional ornaments are typicallyadded.

One drawback to decorative trees of this type is the need to store thetree at the end of the holiday season. Although some trees can fold orbe separated into two or more parts, these parts are often bulky andcumbersome to store. After the holiday, the decorations are removed fromthe tree and must be stored as well. These decorations areconventionally stored in their own bags and boxes at the end of theholiday season. This can create issues since the multiple storagecontainers can be separated from the stored tree over time and it maynot always be easy to find them all the following year.

There is a need for an artificial tree that is easy to store and thatprovides an improved way to store decorations and other paraphernaliaassociated with the tree.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other features and advantages of the invention, as well asstructure and operation of various implementations of the invention, aredisclosed in detail below with references to the accompanying drawings,in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the decoration;

FIG. 2 shows the first embodiment in a stowed configuration in a versionin which the collapsed central pole fits within the base;

FIG. 3 shows the first embodiment in a stowed configuration in a versionin which the collapsed central pole fits only partially within the base;

FIG. 4 shows the first embodiment in a stowed position where the baseincludes a storage area for the decorative body portion;

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the decoration;

FIG. 6 shows the second embodiment in a first stowed configuration;

FIG. 7 shows the second embodiment in a second stowed configuration;

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the decoration;

FIGS. 9-13 show alternative access configurations for the storage areasin the base;

FIGS. 14A-14C show alternative configurations for the decorative bodyportion; and

FIG. 15 shows a particular configuration of an ornament for use withembodiments of the decoration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 18 are illustrations of a collapsible decoration 1according to a first embodiment. The structure comprises a base 10 witha top surface 11 a and a bottom surface 11 b. A collapsible/extendabledecorative ‘tree’ 12 comprised of an extension pole 14 to which acollapsible decorative body portion 16 is attached to the base 10. Thebase 10 contains an open interior that can be used for storage ofdecorations and other accessories and the tree 12 can also be stored inor on the base 10. Various configurations for accessing the storage areaare addressed below.

The body portion 16 in one embodiment is comprised of spiral narrowingtowards its top and made of a flat, relatively stiff yet bendabledecorative material, such as plastic. In one configuration, the bodyportion 16 is a spiral disk and that returns to a substantially diskshape when collapsed. Strings 17 can be threaded through the bodyportion 16 to provide support for the body portion 16 when extended.Instead of a spiral cut disk, the body 16 could instead be made from aspiraled hollow tube, such as a clear plastic tubing, and that cancontain lights or other decorations and/or to which lights anddecorations can be attached, e.g., through holes in the tubing. Thetubing is preferably preformed so it will naturally rest in a a coiledspiral and can be extended in a manner similar to the spiral disk. Otherconfigurations of decoration 16 can alternatively be used. Examplesinclude, but are not limited, to a series of disks of decreasingdiameter, each attached to the pole 14 and optionally to each other,branches connected to the pole 14, or other designs. Some of thesevariations are illustrated in other figures discussed below.

The central pole 14 is preferably a telescoping pole that extendsthrough an opening in the top 11 a of the base 10. The pole 14 has acollapsible portion 22 comprising multiple nestled segments 23A that fitin whole or part into an end portion 24 when the pole is collapsed. Eachsegment 23A can include a spring loaded locking button 23B or othermechanism to prevent the pole 14 from collapsing accidentally.

The bottom 25 of the end portion 24 of pole 14 is mounted to bottom 11 bof the base 10, such as by means of a mounting plate 26. The end portion24 and mounting plate 26 can be formed as an integral unit or the twocomponents can be separately connected, such as by screws or othermeans. Mounting plate 26 can be permanently attached to the base 10 orremovably attached, e.g., by butterfly screws, bolts, toggles, or otherconnectors that allow a user to detach the mounting plate 26 from thebase. The base 10 can be provided with adjustable feet 27, such asscrew-in feet, to allow a user to ensure that the base 10 sits flat.

In one configuration, and as shown in FIG. 18, when the collapsible part22 of pole 14 is collapsed into the end portion 24 of the pole, the top18 of the pole 14 is generally even with, or even below, the top 11 a ofthe base 10. Alternatively, at least a portion of the collapsible part22 of the pole 14 can extend above the top 11 a of the base 10 as shownin FIG. 3.

Turning to FIG. 4, the top 11 a of the base 10 can be recessed to createan area 28 defined by the base top 11 a and sidewall 11 c. In oneconfiguration, the top 11 a is recessed at least an amount equal to theheight of the collapsed body portion 16 so that the area 28 can fullycontain the collapsed body portion 16 and provide some protection duringstorage. A cover 30 can be provided as well to close area 28 and providefurther protection. The cover can be a solid part or flexible fabriclike material. In one configuration, the cover has a slot leadingradially inwards to a central opening to allow the cover to be put inplace when the tree is extended. Such a cover would serve to hide thepoint of connection between the body portion 16 and the base 10 and anyother features on the top 11 a. This will also allow eliminate a need toseparately store the cover when the decoration is deployed.

If the collapsible part 22 of the pole 14 extends above the top 11 a, asin FIG. 3, the top 11 a of the base 10 can be recessed a sufficientamount so that the entire pole is within the area 28. Alternatively, thetop 11 a can be recessed a lesser amount sufficient to contain thecollapsed body portion 16 while a portion of the pole extends above theupper edge of the sidewalls 11 c.

A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. This embodiment is similar tothe first embodiment. However, instead of having the pole 14 collapseinto the end portion 24 and remain in the base, the collapsible portion22 of the pole 14 is instead removably fitted to a mounting post 32 thatis attached to the base 10. The mounting post 32 can be hollow, such asa hollow cylinder, and the pole 14 fitted in it. Alternatively, themounting post can fit within a hollow bottom of the pole 14. The twocomponents can be configured so that they slip together and are held inplace by friction and gravity. A security pin, spring loaded lockingbutton, or other securing means can also be provided to secure the partsin place. In a further alternative, the two parts are threaded and canbe connected by screwing them together.

As in the first embodiment, the body portion 16 can be configured tocollapse onto the top 11 a of the base 10 for storage. The top 11 a canalso be recessed as discussed above. With reference to FIG. 6, thecollapsible portion 22 of the pole can be removed and stored on top ofthe base 10 and body portion 16. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6,the portion 22 of the pole when in its collapsed state is about the samewidth as the base 10, although it could be longer or shorter. Forexample, the length of the collapsed pole could be longer than adiameter of the base by no more than 25%, or 20%, or 15%, or 10%, or 5%.The pole can be held in place using removable straps 34 or other means.If the collapsed portion 22 of the pole is shorter than the width of thebase, and the top 11 a of the base is recessed, the pole mayadvantageously be stored area 28, with or without a cover 30.

Although the collapsible portion 22 is shown in a telescopingconfiguration, in other embodiments, it can be made of discrete sectionsthat can be fitted together to assemble the pole and taken apart forstorage. In one embodiment, shock cord is used to allow the parts toremain connected even when not fitted to each other. When the sectionsare taken apart, they can be folded in a zig-zag form. The folded polecan be stored on the top. 11 a of the base 10 in a manner similar to thetelescoping pole.

In a variation of this embodiment, the top 11 a of the base 10 isremovable. The collapsed pole can be attached to the top 11 a of thebase, e.g, using straps 34. The entire top 11 a can then be flipped overand placed back onto the base 10 with the body portion 16 and poleinside the base 10. A retaining cover 36 may be placed over pole andbody portion and connected, e.g., around a periphery, to hold the poleand body portions in place against the top 11 a. Retaining cover 36 canbe connected to the top 11 a along its periphery (in which case separatestraps 34 can be omitted if desired). Alternatively, or in addition, theretaining cover 36 can have edge flanges (not shown) that are sandwichedbetween the top 11 a and the top edge of the sidewall 11 c to hold it inplace.

A third embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the pole 14is attached to the top 11 a of the base 10. The top 11 a is preferablyremovable and can serve as a base so that the tree 12 can be displayedon the top 11 a and separate from the rest of base 10. The connectionbetween the pole mount 26 to the top 11 a can be a removable one, suchas via butterfly or other type of screw attachment. In this manner, auser could remove the assembly from the top for storage, e.g., withinthe container 10. The top 11 a can also be configured so it can beturned upside down for storage. Any portions remaining connected to it,such as the mount 26 and/or pole end portion 24, can then extend intothe base 10 for storage.

As noted, the base 10 in the various embodiment discussed above ishollow can be used for storage. Other than a removable top, other meansto provide access to the storage area inside the base can be provided.In one configuration, one or more drawers are fitted into the base. FIG.9 shows the base 10 with the tree assembly 12 omitted for clarity. Inthis embodiment, the base 10 has one or more wedge shaped storagecompartments 38 positioned between the top 11 a and bottom lib of thebase 10. The compartments 38 can be removable from the base or mounted,such as on a pivoting axis 40. A back wall 39 of the compartment 38 isshaped to provide room for the pole hardware when the compartment isclosed. In the illustrated embodiment, back wall 39 has an arc-shapedcross section. A clasp or other locking hardware (not shown) can beprovided to keep the compartment 38 from opening accidentally. FIG. 10shows partial perspective top view of the base 10 with generallyrectangular storage compartments 42 that can slide in and out of thesides of the base 10. A back wall 43 can include a recessed portion toallow room for the pole hardware when the compartment is closed.

FIGS. 11-13 show yet a further embodiment of the storage access. Inthese configurations, which show the base 10 upside down, storage isaccessed through the bottom of the base. In FIG. 11, the bottom 11 b ofthe base 10 is removable. Various mechanisms can be used to hold thebase in place, such as locking tabs, screws, snap-in connectors, etc. Inone configuration, the base has a screw 44 that attaches to a hole 46 atthe bottom of the pole and mounting assembly. (In this configuration,the pole mount 26 is attached to top 11 a of the base 10 and the bottomportion 24 of the pole or mounting post 32 extends down into the base.This configuration may also be used with other storage accessarrangements as discussed above.) In FIG. 12, the bottom 11 a iscomprised of parts 48 a and 48 b that are connected by a hinge 50. Oneor both parts 48 a, 48 b can be opened to access the internal storagearea. In FIG. 13, the bottom 11 a is formed with or one or morerotatable portions 52, 54 that can be turned to open and close access tothe interior of the base 10.

As will be appreciated, decorations can be attached to and/or embeddedin the body portion 16. For example, a series of holes 20 can be formedin the body portion 16 allow decorations to be easily attached. Theholes can be sized to allow ornament hooks and other decorations to bepassed through to hang things from the tree 14. The holes can also besized to allow decorative lights to be pushed through and held in place,e.g., through friction or a snap-fit connection, so that a string oflights can be attached. If pushed through from the bottom, theconnecting lighting wire can be hidden.

Magnets can be embedded within the body portion 16 so that decorationsthat have magnetic materials in them can be easily attached and removed.Alternatively, steel or other magnetic material can be embedded withinthe body portion 16 to allow decorations with magnets in them to beattached. In one configuration, a flat strip of metal, such as springsteel, is formed in a spiral pattern that is embedded along the spiralof the body portion 16. Instead of a continuous strip, magnetic dots canbe embedded along the length of the spiral.

In a further configuration, the body 16 is non-magnetic and decorativeornaments are provided that contain one or more strong magnets on theirtops. A small metal coupling bar or disk can be placed on the oppositeside of the body from a magnet in an ornament. The magnet adheres to themetal through the body portion 16 to allow the ornaments to be attachedto the tree. Magnets and coupling bars used in magnetic bar fastenerscommonly incorporated into removable name badge holders are suitable forthis. Unlike name badge holders, however, where the metal coupling baris hidden, e.g., in a pocket or behind a lapel, the backing may bevisible. Instead of a plain metal bar, more exciting decorative shapescan be used, such as stars, crosses, snowflakes, bells, angels, leaves,and other designs. These can also be colored on at least one side toprovide further decorative features.

In a variation, instead of an exposed metal coupling bar to which amagnet in an ornament can adhere (or vice versa) the entire ornament canbe provided in two parts that are held together by pairs of opposingmagnets and or opposed magnet/coupling bar pairs. When the two halvesare attached they form a complete decoration. With reference to FIG. 15,an ornament 70 can be formed of two halves 72 a, 72 b that join togetherto form a decoration. While a spherical decoration is shown, many othershapes can be used as well. One half of the decoration 70, such as thetop 72 a contains at least one magnet 74, such as a neodymium diskmagnet. The other half of decoration has a metallic portion 76 to whichthe magnet 74 will adhere when the two halves 72 a, 72 b are puttogether. Instead of a metallic portion 76, another magnet can be usedwith an opposite polarity to the corresponding magnet 74 on the otherhalf of the decoration. Multiple magnet/metal or magnet/magnet pairs canbe provided.

A set of decorations, such as described herein, configured or intendedfor attachment to the body portion 16 can be provided as a set andpre-stored within the base 10 and made available to a consumer therebyat the time of purchase.

Instead of a strand of lights that is separately attached to the tree bya user, decorative lighting, such as LEDs or 12V mini-incandescentlights can be integrated into the tree 12 in advance, such as byintegrating them within the body portion 16 where they are visible alongan exposed surface. (See lights 90 in FIG. 15) Instead of discretelights, other lighting materials can also be used. For example, ropelights or EL wire can be used and attached, e.g., along a surface or anedge of the body portion 16 (or, as in a further alternative notedabove, the body portion 16 can be a spiral formed rope light strand).When electric decorations such as lights are provided, the end of theelectrical connection can be at the bottom of the tree 12 by base 10and/or run through the pole 14 and connected to the body portion 16 atone or both of its ends 16 a/16 b. The wire supplying electricity fromthe decorations can be largely hidden from view, and can run within thebase and/or through the pole 14, thereby improving the overallaesthetics.

In yet a further configuration, optical fibers can be run through thematerial of body portion 16 and terminate at various locations along itslength and periphery to provide a decorative effect. The light(s) whichfeed the optical fibers can be hidden in the base 10, within pole 14, orother location. A light pipe could also be used to provide a lightingeffect along the tree.

In one particular configuration, the body portion material 16 iscomprised of a multi-layer sandwich structure with outer top and bottomsurfaces that are decorative and a middle portion through which wires,optical fibers, LEDs, and/or other elements can be run. The connectingwires will be hidden by the outer layers. The light emitting portionscan be arranged along the periphery of the body portion 16 or at pointsalong its upper and/or lower surface.

With reference to FIG. 15 again, in a further configuration a pair oflow voltage power wires 80, 82 are run through the body portion 16.Terminals 84 connected to the wires can be exposed at periodicintervals, such as though an opening 86, and which can be used toprovide power to an ornament. The terminal openings 86 may be exposedthroughout or may have a removable or foldable cover to hide the openingwhen an ornament is not attached. With particular reference to theornaments 70 that are provided in magnetically coupled halves, suchornaments can also be provided with lights or other electrically poweredfeatures and configured with contacts 90, such as basic spring contacts,pogo pins, or other suitable connectors known to those of ordinary skillin the art. The two halves 72 a, 72 b of the ornament 70 can bemagnetically coupled around the body portion 16 so that the contacts 90connect to the terminals 84 in the body 16.

Although separate contacts 90 are shown, the magnets 74 and/or metallicportions 76 may also serve as the magnetic contacts used to draw powerfrom the terminals. If both halves of the ornament require power, body16 can be configured to provide access to the terminals 84 from the topand bottom of the body 16. In another configuration, the two halves ofthe ornaments can have an electrical connection between them suitablefor transferring power from one part of the ornament to the other. Forexample the two haves 72 a, 72 b of the ornament 70 can be connected viaa wire that wraps around the side of the body 16 to carry power from onehalf to the other.

As noted previously, the specific configuration of the body portion 16can vary. Some variations are shown in FIGS. 14a-14c , in which the base10 and mounting portions for the pole are omitted for clarity. FIG. 14ashows a decorative portion 16′ formed from a coiled wall. Thisconfiguration provides more of a vertical visible surface than theconfiguration of, e.g., FIG. 1. FIG. 14b shows an alternative in whichbody portion 16″ comprised of a series of disks 58 of decreasingdiameter and that stack on each other when the pole is collapsed. Eachdisk can have a central hole 58 that is the diameter of one segment ofthe collapsible part 22 of the pole and wherein the disk will rest onthe top part of a lower segment having a larger diameter. In addition,or alternatively, one or more pins can be placed over and/or under thedisk, engaging respective openings in the pole (not shown) to hold thedisk vertically in place along the pole. The disks can include holes toallow ornaments, lights, or other decorations to be attached. Supportlines 60 can be run through the disks near their outer periphery andconnect at one end to the top 18 of the pole and at the other end to thelowest disk or (not shown) the top 11 a of the base 10. Alternatively,support lines 62 can be connected from the top of each segment of thepole to the disc mounted on that segment. In a further embodiment, shownin FIG. 14C, a body portion 16′″ comprises a single disk 58 positionedat the bottom of the pole and with support lines 64 that extend from thetop 18 of the pole to points along the periphery of the disk 58. In thevarious embodiment, the support lines can be decorative. In oneconfiguration, the support lines include electric lights. The disks asshown are circular. However, they can be other geometric shapes andhave, for example, an undulating or saw tooth outer profile.

The configurations and embodiments discussed herein advantageouslyprovide a collapsible holiday tree with internal storage. Preferably,the container 10 is formed of a rigid material, such as molded plastic.The collapsible pole can be plastic or metal. The cover of the treestorage area and accessory storage areas can be rigid or flexible, suchas being of plastic, vinyl, or similar materials as may be appropriateto one of skill in the art according to the given design. Preferably,the when closed, the container 10 provides sufficient structuralstrength to protect its contents and to allow other items to be stackedon the closed container. Decorative ornaments, such as discussed herein,can be provided and pre-stored in the base.

While the decorative ‘tree’ has been illustrated in the form of a spiralor series of disks and strands, alternatively a series of ‘branches’ canbe formed extending radially from each segment of the central pole andarranged in a staggered manner to provide a more tree-likeconfiguration.

The base and pole are typically circular in cross-section. However,other shapes can be used instead. For example, the cross section of thepole and/or the base can be polygonal.

Various aspects and embodiments of the invention have been disclosed anddescribed herein. Various modifications, additions and alterations maybe made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A decorative assembly comprising: a hollow base having an interior, atop and a bottom; a mounting post attached to one of the top and thebottom of the base; a collapsible pole attached to the mounting post; acollapsible decorative body connected to the pole; and wherein theinterior of the base is accessible through at least one opening and canbe used for storage.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the decorativebody comprises a strip of bendable material arranged in a spiral aroundthe pole, the strip having a first end connected to a top of the pole,the spiral having a diameter that increases along the pole from the topportion of the pole towards the base.
 3. The assembly of claim 2,wherein the decorative body is a spiral cut disk having a diameter in acollapsed state that is less than a diameter of the top of the base. 4.The assembly of claim 1, wherein the top of the base is recessed by arecess distance, the decorative body when in a collapsed state extendingup from the top of the base no more than the recess distance.
 5. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the collapsible pole is a telescoping poleand when the collapsible pole is in a fully collapsed statesubstantially all of the pole is within the interior of the base.
 6. Theassembly of claim 5, wherein the collapsible pole when removed from themounting post and in fully collapsed state has a length less than awidth of the top surface of the base.
 7. The assembly of claim 6,further comprising at least one mechanism for attaching the pole in afully collapsed state across the top of the base.
 8. The assembly ofclaim 6, wherein the mounting post is connected to the bottom of thebase and extends upwards therefrom.
 9. The assembly of claim 6, whereinthe mounting post is hollow and is connected to the top of the base andextends downwards therefrom.
 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thecollapsible pole is removably mounted to the mounting post.
 11. Theassembly of claim 1, the base further comprising at least one drawertherein and extendable sideways from the base.
 12. The assembly of claim1, the interior of the base being accessible for storage by moving atleast portion of the bottom surface of the base.
 13. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the decorative body comprises at least one disc havinga hole with the pole passing therethrough and a plurality of guide linesconnecting the disk to the pole.
 14. A decorative assembly comprising: agenerally cylindrical hollow base having an interior, a top and abottom; a hollow mounting post attached to the bottom of the base andextending upwards therefrom; a collapsible pole removably attachable tothe mounting post and, when so attached extending upwards from the base;a decorative body comprising a strip of bendable material having alength substantially greater than a width and arranged in a spiralaround the pole, the strip having a first end removably connectable to atop of the pole and a second end connected to the top of the base, thedecorative body being collapsible onto the top of the base; the basehaving at least one drawer formed therein and extendable sideways fromthe base to provide access to the interior of the base.
 15. The assemblyof claim 14, the decorative body comprising a spiral cut disk having adiameter that is less than a diameter of the base.
 16. The assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the mounting post is removably attached to the bottomof the base.
 17. The assembly of claim 14, further comprising retainingstraps configured to secure the collapsible pole in fully collapsedstate to the top of the base.
 18. The assembly of claim 14, thedecorative body comprising a plurality of holes formed along therein toreceive one of decorations and lights.
 19. The assembly of claim 14,further comprising ferromagnetic coupling regions in a plurality oflocations along the length of the body, wherein the coupling regions aresuitable as attachment points for ornaments having magnetic mountingmagnets formed therein.
 20. The assembly of claim 14, further comprisingat least one electrical conductor extending through a length of the bodyand configured to provide power to electrical devices connected thereto.21. The assembly of claim 20, the body further comprising a plurality oflight emitting elements formed therein and electrically coupled to atleast one of the at least one electrical conductor.
 22. The assembly ofclaim 20, further comprising a plurality of contact points along thelength of the body, each contact point allowing electrical connection toone of the at least one electrical conductor, wherein the contact pointsare configured to provide power to ornaments removably connected to thebody and having electrical components therein.
 23. The assembly of claim14, further comprising a plurality of ornaments, each ornamentcomprising a lower portion magnetically coupleable to an upper portion,each ornament being mountable to the body by positioning the top portionon a top surface of the body and the bottom portion on a bottom surfaceof the body opposed to the top portion.